Joe is a graduate of FSU, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a Master's Degree in Social Science with emphasis on Executive Management. He served on the Walton County Contractors Competency Board for three years, was Chairperson of the Walton County Community Development Corporation for two years, was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the Northwest Florida Regional Housing Authority, and is a sixteen-year South Walton Turtle Watch volunteer.

Joe grew up in Seagrove Beach and attended local schools. He spent time surfing and biking through the local woods, and working service industry jobs in the local vacation rental market. After college, he moved back to the beach, where he balances work with hobbies such as fishing, enjoying the beach with his dog Honey, and serving the local community through volunteering.